Description
This workshop focuses on strategies for identifying and addressing common, yet complex ethical issues concerning confidentiality that social workers face in their practice. To provide services it is often necessary to share and obtain information from community partners serving individuals, and yet confidentiality practices are confusing and complicated. Content will include: An overview of the Maryland Statute and Regulations that govern confidentiality of health records, mental health records, substance abuse records, social service records, education records, the requirements for release of information, child maltreatment or imminent harm information, privileged communication, and clinician’s personal notes. The presenter served on the national committee to revise the NASW Confidentiality and Information Utilization Issue Statement and will include an overview of these national standards. In addition, risk management strategies will be identified.
This workshop meets the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners’ requirements for Ethics CEs.
Instructor
University of Maryland School of Social Work
Gisele Ferretto, MSW, LCSW-C, has over thirty-five years of social work experience in both clinical and macro practice areas. Her areas of expertise include: policy, professional ethics, supervision and leadership, confidentiality, social work and field practicum education, child welfare practice, and curriculum development. Ms. Ferretto provides consultation and training for private and public agencies in her areas of expertise. She has served on various committees and boards at the local, state, and national level, developing policy and program initiatives.
Currently, Ms. Ferretto is on the faculty at the University of Maryland School of Social Work (SSW) and serves as the director of public policy and manager of training for the Office of Field Education. During her tenure at the SSW, she has held positions in the Office of Field Education, Child Welfare Fellowship Program, Child Welfare Academy, Family Connections Baltimore, and Social Work Community Outreach Service (SWCOS). Prior to her time at the SSW, she served as an administrator at the Maryland Department of Human Services in the following programs: Child Protective Services, Office of Equal Opportunity, and the Office of Staff Development and Training. Ms. Ferretto began her social work career as a child protective services worker at the Baltimore City Department of Social Services.
Agenda & Learning Objectives
AGENDA:
8:50 1m – 9:00 am Log on
9:00 am – 10:30 am
-
Overview of the Concepts and Ethical Principals Related To The Sharing And Obtaining Of Confidential Information
-
Exploration of the Functions Served By An Ethical Code and Model for Ethical Decision Making
10:30 am Break
10:45 am – 12:00 pm
-
Identification of The Statute, Regulations and Policy concerning Confidentiality & Professional Licensing
-
General Principles of Confidentiality, Three Types of Permitted Disclosures and Informed Consent
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
-
Relevant Confidentiality Laws for Social Work Practice
-
Public Information Act
-
Medical Or Mental Health Information
-
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment
-
LDSS (Economic Assistance) Records
-
Child Abuse or Neglect
-
Court: Disclosure Pursuant to a Subpoena; Privileged Statements; CINA
-
Required Disclosures: Report Child Abuse and Neglect, Vulnerable Adults and Duty To Warn
-
Education Records
-
Sharing Information Between Agencies That Serve Children And Families
3:00 pm – 3:15 pm Break
3:15 pm – 4:30 pm
4:30 pm Adjournment
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Upon the completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
-
Distinguish the basic elements, concepts, and terms concerning confidentiality and the restrictions and practice implications of the release of confidential information.
-
Explore the use of statutes, regulations, and social work standards that govern the protection of the various kinds of information obtained during social work practice.
-
Apply professional values and ethical concepts to workplace situations, including imminent harm, informed consent, duty to warn, and record-keeping.
-
Explore strategies for responding to ethical issues and dilemmas concerning confidentiality practice.
Bibliography & References
BIBLIOGRAPHY & REFERENCES
Felton, E., Bolin, L., Ferretto, G., Gross, G., Pyron, A., & Nooney, G. (2021). NASW Confidentiality and Information Utilization Policy Statement. In Social Work Speaks: National Association of Social Workers Policy Statements 2021-2023 (pp. 57–61). NASW Press.
Reamer, Frederic G. (2021) Ethics and Risk Management in Online and Distance Social Work. San Diego, Cognella Academic Publishing.
Reamer, Frederic G. (2015) Risk Management in Social Work: Preventing Professional Malpractice, Liability, and Disciplinary Action. New York: Columbia University Press.
NASW, ASWB, CSWE and CSWA Standards for Technology in Social Work Practice (2017) https://www.socialworkers.org/includes/newIncludes/homepage/PRA-BRO-33617.TechStandards_FINAL_POSTING.pdfNASW
Telemental Health: Legal Considerations for Social Workers. By Anne B. Camper, General Counsel and Elizabeth M. Felton, JD, LICSW, Associate Counsel. https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Legal/HIPAA-Help-For-Social-Workers/Telemental-Health
Maryland Statutes reviewed: from https://advance.lexis.com/
-
Family Law Article §5-704.1 (substantial risk of sexual abuse)
-
Health General §4-307 (personal notes)
-
Health General, §4-303 (Informed consent)
-
Health General, §4-301, et seq. (Medical/ Mental Health records confidentiality)
-
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
-
Courts and Judicial Proceedings, §5-609 (Duty to Warn)
-
Family Law §5-704 (reporting child maltreatment)
-
Family Law §14-704 (reporting child maltreatment)
-
Health General §20-102 ( rights of minors)
-
Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 9-121 (Privileged communication)
Maryland Regulations reviewed from http://www.dsd.state.md.us/COMAR/ComarHome.html
-
COMAR 10.42.03.06 (conflict of interest)
-
COMAR 10.42.03.02 and 10.42.03.05 (dual relationship)
-
COMAR 10.42.10 (Teletheraphy)
-
COMAR 10.42.02.03 (Scope of Practice)
Target Audience
Social Workers, LCPCs, and Psychologists
We welcome anyone interested in the topic!
Late Fees and Refunds
The base price is $130, which includes CE credit.
Late Fee: On 7/9/25, a non-refundable late fee of $20 is added to the base price. Late fees cannot be refunded or applied to account credit.
Cancellations: **ALL cancellations will be subjected to a $35.00 administration fee.** To be eligible for a refund or CPE account credit, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before the workshop.
For more information, please read the general policies on our website.
ADA Accommodations
If you are requesting ADA accommodations, please contact our office via email at least two weeks prior to the workshop date. Requests after that date may not be fulfilled.
Our email address is cpe@ssw.umaryland.edu.
Evaluation
Participants will have access to the evaluation after attendance has been verified. Evaluations will be available for one (1) week after the workshop has ended.
After one (1) week, participants will no longer have access to the evaluation and will have to contact CPE about reactivation.
